Choosing the right 3D printer resin is crucial, especially when you plan to paint your prints. Not all resins are created equal when it comes to paint adhesion. Some resins can be very smooth and slick, making it difficult for paint to adhere properly. Others might have a porous surface that can soak up paint, resulting in uneven coverage. So, how do you find the perfect resin for painting?
This article will guide you through the world of 3D printing resins and highlight three top choices that are known for their excellent paint adhesion. We’ll delve into the specific properties of each resin that make them ideal for painting, as well as provide insights into their pros and cons. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, having the right resin foundation can make a huge difference in the final look and feel of your 3D printed creations.
Find more on 20 Best 3D Printer Nozzle
We’ll explore resins with different finishes, from matte to glossy, to cater to various painting styles. We’ll also discuss factors such as durability, ease of sanding, and overall printing quality, ensuring you choose a resin that not only accepts paint well but also produces high-quality prints.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of the key considerations for choosing a 3D printer resin for painting, and be ready to take your miniature painting and resin printing skills to the next level.
| QUICKLIST TOP 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ELEGOO Mars 2 |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anycubic Photon Mono X |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Creality LD-002R |  |
4.6 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elegoo Mars 2
A popular and affordable 3D printer that delivers excellent print quality.
You can find more information on 3 Best 3D Printer Resin For Strong Prints
Specifications:
- Resolution: 4725 x 2826 pixels
- Layer thickness: 0.025mm – 0.15mm
- Printing size: 129 x 80 x 160 mm
- Technology: LCD-based SLA
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: The Elegoo Mars 2 is a great value for the features it offers.
- Good print quality: This printer produces highly detailed and smooth prints.
- Easy to use: Elegoo offers a comprehensive user manual and online resources to help you get started.
- Reliable performance: The Mars 2 has a good track record of reliability.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited printing size: The Mars 2 has a smaller printing area compared to some other printers.
- Can be slow: SLA printers are generally slower than FDM printers.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a good quality 3D printer for a reasonable price.
- You want to print detailed, smooth models for painting.
- You want to get started with resin printing without spending too much.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a larger printing area.
- You're on a tight budget and don't want to spend on additional materials like resin.
Bottom Line: The Elegoo Mars 2 is a fantastic entry-level 3D printer for those who want to start printing models specifically for painting. The smooth surface finish and intricate details that the Mars 2 can produce allow for exceptional paint application. While it may not be the fastest printer, you will find that the trade-off is worth it due to the incredible detail and quality you can achieve.
Anycubic Photon Mono X
Find more on 25 Best 3D Printer Under $1000
A powerful 3D printer designed for high-resolution printing.
Dive deeper into 3 Best 3D Printer Resin For Painting: Achieving Smooth Surfaces For Painting
Specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Layer thickness: 0.01mm – 0.2mm
- Printing size: 192 x 120 x 245 mm
- Technology: LCD-based SLA
Reasons to buy:
- High resolution: The Photon Mono X produces incredibly detailed prints with sharp edges.
- Large printing area: It has a bigger build volume than the Elegoo Mars 2.
- Faster printing: The Mono X features a powerful LED light source for faster printing speeds.
- Strong community support: Anycubic has a large and active online community.
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price: The Photon Mono X is more expensive than the Elegoo Mars 2.
- Can be more complex to use: It may require a bit more technical knowledge to operate.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a 3D printer for high-resolution printing.
- You need a larger printing area than the Mars 2 provides.
- You are comfortable with learning more advanced features.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a strict budget.
- You're a complete beginner to 3D printing.
Bottom Line: If you are willing to spend a little more for a larger build volume, the Anycubic Photon Mono X is a great printer with incredible detail and speed. While the higher resolution may be more impressive, it might be overkill if you are just starting to print models for painting. However, if you are working on intricate miniatures or complex details, this printer might be the best choice for your needs.
Creality LD-002R
Check this blog on 16 Best 3D Printer for TPU
A user-friendly 3D printer that delivers good print quality.
Specifications:
- Resolution: 2360 x 1334 pixels
- Layer thickness: 0.01mm – 0.1mm
- Printing size: 129 x 80 x 165 mm
- Technology: LCD-based SLA
Reasons to buy:
- Easy to use: The LD-002R features a user-friendly interface and comes with pre-configured settings.
- Reliable performance: This printer has a solid track record of reliability.
- Competitive price: The LD-002R offers a good balance between price and performance.
- Good print quality: The LD-002R produces detailed and smooth prints with good adhesion.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited printing size: The printing area is relatively small.
- Not the fastest printer: The LD-002R is slower than some other printers.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are looking for a user-friendly 3D printer that is easy to set up and use.
- You want a reliable printer with good print quality.
- You are printing miniatures or models for painting.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a large printing area.
- You need the fastest printing speeds available.
Bottom Line: The Creality LD-002R is a well-rounded 3D printer with a good balance of features and price. This printer is well-suited for printing detailed miniatures or models for painting as it provides exceptional detail and good surface finish for paint adhesion. The ease of use makes this printer a great option for beginners, while the reliable performance and quality prints ensure that it is a solid choice for experienced users.
So there you have it, our top three picks for the best 3D printer resin for painting! Each resin offers a unique combination of properties that make them ideal for different painting styles and preferences. Ultimately, the best resin for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear when working with resin, and take precautions to prevent resin from coming into contact with your skin or eyes.
With the right resin and a little practice, you can achieve stunning results with your painted 3D prints. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these resins are sure to elevate your 3D printing and painting experience. So go ahead, experiment with different colors, techniques, and finishes, and unleash your creativity!
We hope this guide has been helpful in your quest for the perfect resin for painting. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don't forget to share your amazing painted 3D prints with us! We'd love to see what you create.
Happy printing and painting!
Mohammed 
Reem